Sicilian culinary veterans Andrea Carbonaro, Dario Carbonaro, Mariano Liga, and Francesco Mancino have officially taken over the long-running Lake Murray Boulevard space with plans to debut SobreMesa, a Latin American restaurant centered on food, tradition, and community. Located at 8622 Lake Murray Boulevard, the 4,600-square-foot space was previously home to Pioneer BBQ, which closed in July after a seven-year run under the Cohn Restaurant Group. Known for its chef-driven barbecue and community pub feel, Pioneer BBQ's closure left a noticeable void in the East County dining scene.
Public records indicate that the new restaurant will operate under a Type 47 liquor license, allowing the service of beer, wine, and spirits - paving the way for a robust cocktail program to accompany its ambitious culinary vision. The owners are targeting a late September or early October opening.
Andrea and Mariano have helped launch several notable concepts across the region, including Trattoria Da Sofia, Aromi in La Mesa, Pizza by Aromi, and Carbonaro’s. The SobreMesa concept will highlight Latin American flavors with a particular emphasis on fresh seafood such as ceviche, aguachile, and crudo, offering bold, bright dishes rooted in Latin traditions.
Co-owner Mariano Liga clarified that despite early reports, the restaurant is not Japanese fusion.Mariano is also a partner in Rusticucina in Hillcrest and the upscale Mexican restaurant Zama in the Gaslamp Quarter. The group's combined experience spans from traditional Sicilian cuisine to modern Italian, and now, they appear to be charting new territory with a menu that blends contemporary creativity with Latin culinary heritage.
Their most recent joint effort, Trattoria Da Sofia in Kensington, was launched by a tight-knit team of Italian and Mexican-born chefs with family hospitality roots. The restaurant quickly earned acclaim for its handmade pastas, cozy ambiance, and emphasis on neighborhood charm - qualities the new San Carlos project is also expected to reflect, albeit with a Latin twist. Liga says the name "SobreMesa," a Spanish term that refers to meaningful time spent in conversation after a meal, embodies the restaurant’s mission: "Where the meals turn to memories. Come for the food, and stay for the tradition."
The group's first venture, Aromi, was a dream born in Sicily and realized in La Mesa, where cousins Andrea Carbonaro and Francesco Mancino showcased housemade gnocchis, pistachio cream pastas, and tableside tiramisu. Their goal has consistently been to offer high-quality, heartfelt hospitality with a casual, welcoming environment.
Given their track record, East County residents can expect something both elevated and unpretentious. SobreMesa will also feature a stylish yet cozy design with arches, lush greenery, and booth seating meant to encourage social connection. Plans include Sunday brunch, weekly rotating specials, and occasional live DJs spinning Latin tracks or deep house music — though the owners stress it is not intended to be a nightclub.
With permits secured and renovations underway, excitement is building for SobreMesa’s arrival as a major new addition to the Lake Murray dining scene.
Their most recent joint effort, Trattoria Da Sofia in Kensington, was launched by a tight-knit team of Italian and Mexican-born chefs with family hospitality roots. The restaurant quickly earned acclaim for its handmade pastas, cozy ambiance, and emphasis on neighborhood charm - qualities the new San Carlos project is also expected to reflect, albeit with a Latin twist. Liga says the name "SobreMesa," a Spanish term that refers to meaningful time spent in conversation after a meal, embodies the restaurant’s mission: "Where the meals turn to memories. Come for the food, and stay for the tradition."
The group's first venture, Aromi, was a dream born in Sicily and realized in La Mesa, where cousins Andrea Carbonaro and Francesco Mancino showcased housemade gnocchis, pistachio cream pastas, and tableside tiramisu. Their goal has consistently been to offer high-quality, heartfelt hospitality with a casual, welcoming environment.
Given their track record, East County residents can expect something both elevated and unpretentious. SobreMesa will also feature a stylish yet cozy design with arches, lush greenery, and booth seating meant to encourage social connection. Plans include Sunday brunch, weekly rotating specials, and occasional live DJs spinning Latin tracks or deep house music — though the owners stress it is not intended to be a nightclub.
With permits secured and renovations underway, excitement is building for SobreMesa’s arrival as a major new addition to the Lake Murray dining scene.
Originally published on August 4, 2025.
